I needed the fresh air away from the chocolate. How was I supposed to control myself? Heading for the door I stalled. A face appeared on the other side. Mr. Expensive had returned to the bakery. This, I hadn’t expected. He seemed even more attractive than the image of him I’d saved in my prior memory. Was I distracted by him holding a cupcake? They were also beautiful. Either way he was nice to look at.
“Hello again,” I said, feeling butterflies in my stomach as he entered.
“Hello,” he replied, his tone polished and deep. I liked that. What girl wouldn’t?
“Did you enjoy your cupcake?” I asked.
He grinned. “Yes, did you enjoy yours? I hope you ate them both.”
I nodded. “It was delicious. I gave the other to Henry, he’s my little brother. Now he asks me for his daily cupcake.”
The man’s smile was really something else. I wanted him to smile some more. “We have chocolate covered strawberries today. They’re a really big hit and oh, we have chocolate raspberry cupcakes. You’d enjoy either or both.” I assured him and he seemed convinced.
He tilted his head. “Have you tried those?”
My face flushed and I wanted to lie. But I wasn’t a liar so I shook my head. “No, but I smell them and I can promise you this, they are flat yummy and scrumptious.”
“Can I help you?” Momma’s voice interrupted and I inwardly winced, saying “I gotta go get some strawberries, cream cheese and something else…” Quickly I brushed right past him, hurrying through the door. I wasn’t about to face momma.
She would take his order and send him on his way. I’d pay for flirting later. She didn’t trust men like that. Though Henry’s daddy hadn’t been anything similar, I really think she’s suspicious of men. And I completely understand why.
I headed down the sidewalk towards the grocery to get the cream cheese first. It was the farthest away. I was almost there when I saw Jamie step from the cross-street cleaners to my side. She stopped when she saw me, ducked her had, and hurried down the street. Jamie was obviously avoiding me and we’d never avoided each other. We’d argued before, but never this, Jamie walking in the opposite direction.
I got the cream cheese while worrying about Jamie, wishing I had time to find her, to talk and see what was wrong. It would have to wait until after work because Momma expected me back. I was hoping Mr. Expensive hadn’t been asking questions. If he had momma was sure to lecture until I dropped.
George had me several cartons of strawberries already picked and sorted. He must have known it was a strawberry day. We’d sold several dozen already. I figured we’d sell at least eight more before the day was over.
As I paid George I saw Mr. Expensive patiently walking my way. He held two containers in his hand. It appeared he’d bought my suggestions. Smiling I took the strawberries from George and walked toward this stranger, who was apparently searching for me.
“What did you decide?” I asked him.
He took the grocery bag from my hands and placed a box inside it. He reached for the strawberries, tucked them under his arm and I tell you, that was a load. “I’ll help you carry these back.”
That was nice but a terrible idea. Momma wasn’t going to like that. “You don’t have to. I can carry it. I’m sure you have somewhere to be.”
He chuckled. “No place as important as helping a lady with her cartons and bag of groceries.”
A lady. He called me a lady. I felt very important then. It’s silly, but I did.
“I’m used to carrying them. Momma sends me often.”
I really needed him to leave. To go on before momma saw us. Even though I wished he could stay. This might be his last time through. Who came to Moulton for a cupcake?
“I’m sure you are. But a man should stop and help. Besides your hands were full and I couldn’t very well make you carry one more thing.”
Frowning, I glanced up to him. I guessed about six foot three. Much taller than my five foot six. “What else did I need to carry?”
He showed the bag where he had placed his boxes. “Your chocolate strawberries and chocolate raspberry cupcakes. There they are needing consumption.”
The man had bought me something again. My mouth watered, even though, I knew I shouldn’t take them. Momma would have a fit. Though Henry would love it I bet.
“You bought me something else?” I asked, sounding breathless, highly dramatic and appreciative.
“Yes. Hearing you talk about them with so much passion made my mouth then water. Figured you should at least get to try them. Shame your mother doesn’t allow you a taste test now and then.”
“Thank you. Speaking of my momma, she’s not going to be happy, that you bought me something again. She thinks I’m flirting and you’re buying me treats, because of the flirting I’m doing. Momma has this strange idea about my looks and what they create.”
He appeared to be holding back laughter. “And what might they create?”